Dasara elephants accorded grand ceremonial welcome at Mysuru Palace
Nine elephants arrived at the Mysuru Palace to begin preparations for the upcoming Dasara festivities. Government officials and local dignitaries welcomed the animals and their caretakers with a ceremonial event.
Why it matters
The Dasara festival is a significant cultural event in India, and the arrival of the elephants marks the official start of the preparations.
The first batch of Dasara elephants was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Jayamarthanda Gate of Mysuru Palace on Friday.
Minister for Urban Development Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who is also the Minister in-charge of Mysuru district, and Minister for Forest Ramalinga Reddy were among the dignitaries present when the Dasara elephants arrived at the Palace to a grand welcome. A special pooja was performed to welcome the elephants, accompanied by folk performances such as Dollu Kunitha and Kamsale, besides musical performances.
The first batch of nine Dasara elephants had set out from their forest abode in Veeranahosahalli, Nagarahole, on Wednesday as part of the Gajapayana. After reaching Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru, the elephants marched towards the Palace on Friday, passing through Ballal Circle, Ramaswamy Circle and Basaveshwara Circle amid tight security, even as people lined up on either side of the road to watch the majestic procession.
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